In order to put an end to the growing violence in rural areas, especially the recent slaughter in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, former Governor Samuel Ortom has called for national unity and immediate action.
Ortom denounced the attack, which was purportedly carried out by armed herders and killed over 200 locals, while he was in the distraught hamlet.
“We are very saddened by the lives lost and the families shattered by this horrible act. To guarantee that such savage deeds are put an end to, we must unite as a people and as a country,” Ortom said to the grieving assembly.
Ortom was accompanied by a powerful group that included community leaders, former aides, Dickson Tarkighir, a member representing Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency, and Ezekiel Adaji, the PDP chairman in Benue.
Ortom called the incident “unprovoked and unfortunate” and called on federal and state authorities to step up efforts to protect populations at risk and bring those responsible to justice. In order to stop more atrocities, he underlined the importance of community policing and intelligence collection.
Additionally, Ortom praised President Bola Tinubu for his recent visit to the state and for ordering security forces to capture the murderers.
In addition, he expressed gratitude to Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, for his visit and reiterated his willingness to work with him to see that the promises made by the president to the people of Yelewata are kept.
About The Author
